Online course

Module 1. The SafeScript System – what, when and how? (for prescribers and pharmacists)

This module provides an overview of SafeScript – the Victorian Government's real-time prescription monitoring system. It provides you with an opportunity to update your knowledge on the increasing harms from high-risk prescription medicines, and to learn how SafeScript provides additional information to assist with clinical decisions when prescribing or dispensing high-risk medicines. The module also outlines ways to manage and maintain patient privacy when using SafeScript, and the key regulatory requirements relating to use of the system. 

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Module 2. SafeScript – High-risk medicines and clinical practice (for prescribers)

This module provides you with an opportunity to reconsider how you manage safety concerns about patients with prescription medicine dependence or those showing signs of high-risk use. It explores planning approaches for the consultation, strategies for the practice and collaboration with other health professionals, and provides you with an opportunity to review available management and treatment options. The module will refresh your knowledge of alternative options for managing chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, including non-pharmacological approaches and other lower risk pharmacological treatments. It will also outline the key steps involved in prescribing medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence (MATOD) for patients with opioid dependence.

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Module 2. SafeScript – High-risk medicines and clinical practice (for pharmacists)

This module provides you with an opportunity to refresh your knowledge on safe and appropriate dispensing of high-risk medicines, and reconsider how you manage concerns about patient safety regarding their use of high-risk medicines. It will refresh your knowledge of alternative options for managing chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, including non-pharmacological approaches and other lower risk pharmacological treatments. The module also outlines the key benefits of offering medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence (MATOD) dispensing services for patients with opioid dependence in the community.

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Module 3. SafeScript – Challenging conversations: high-risk medicines, dependence and your patient (for prescribers and pharmacists)

This module provides foundation information to help you and your practice/pharmacy prepare for conversations with patients about the potential risks of dependence with high-risk medicines. It explores the elements of best practice communication and how to apply effective communication strategies when explaining the risks of long-term use before prescribing or dispensing high-risk medicines. The module also outlines how to implement practice policies, set behaviour standards and use de-escalation techniques to reduce safety risks for health professionals and patients in challenging situations.

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